Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson is the latest public figure to find himself at the center of controversy after a host of anti-gay remarks attributed to him in a GQ magazine profile.

On homosexuality:

“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin—it’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

On what is sinful:

“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

Paraphrasing Corinthians:

“Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

On forgiveness:

“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”

In a statement, GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz condemned Robertson’s comments: “Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans—and Americans—who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples. Phil’s decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.”

A&E, which airs Duck Dynasty, released the following statement from Robertson on Monday:

“I myself am a product of the ’60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty, and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.”

On Tuesday, the network suspended Robertson indefinitely, saying in a statement:

“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty.’ His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the L.G.B.T. community.”

What an indefinite suspension from a reality show means is unclear. As The New York Times pointed out, the show is not currently in production and much of next season’s footage has already been shot, with a network spokesperson telling the Times that Robertson will appear in many of next season’s episodes.

In outtakes from writer Drew Magary’s reporting, Robertson also had this to say about Blacks he grew up around in Louisiana: “I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any Black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The Blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the Blacks, because we’re white trash. We’re going across the field. … They’re singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one Black person, say, ‘I tell you what: These doggone white people’—not a word! … Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.”

As a gay man, I obviously dislike and disagree with the things Phil Robertson said. But this is America, and we all have a constitutional right to free speech. In a way, I feel sorry for him. To be both ignorant and intolerant is just so sad. And that he lives every day of his life that way, with all of that hatred inside of him, he must be so miserable. He even calls himself white trash. As for me, I never watched the show to begin with, but I will be looking into the shows sponsors, and boycotting them.

OK wait a minute! I found this show -when it began- thought it was stupid to show these guys doing their stupid things- like a bad joke that kept on going- and then it became funny to see them treat each other like crap. Well, time to end this story and cancel the show. I am a OUT gay professional- who watch and supported this little country pumpkin show- but i am highly offened and will cancel my A&E TV time each night and watching those sponsers- my TV has over a thousnad channels now- i am moving on- thanks to the Robertson Family and their Christian values.

“Their” Christian values—with the emphasis on “their.” I don’t think
they represent the majority of people who call themselves Christian in
this country, especially considering more than half of Americans are in
favor of same-gender marriage. Interestingly enough, in states where there
is the highest oppression, there is also the highest incidence of wives
searching for the question “Is my husband gay?”

As far as A&E, the situation reminds me of the old parable: A girl is
walking along a path in the winter. She sees a viper shivering at the side
of the path and it says, “Please pick me up and warm me under your coat,
I’m dying from the cold.” She says, “If I do that, you’ll bite me and I’ll
die.” The snake says, “I won’t do that—we’ll both die if I do.” The girl
puts the viper under her coat, the viper bites her and she asks, “Why did
you do that?” The viper replies, “You knew what I was when you picked me
up.” Luke Visconti, CEO, DiversityInc

There are many Christians that don’t share Robinson’s values. Your statement, like his, is divisive and rooted in ignorance. Directing your comments at him is appropriate. He put it out there, he deserves whatever response it gets. But, attributing his interpretation to everyone practicing that form of religion by slighting Christian values…well, that is just as narrow minded as his views on your choices and lifestyle.

Phil said nothing wrong or disrespectful…why cause he told the truth/opinion…I watch DD and he is a God frearing man who has raised his sons the right way! There is no cussing or fighting on the show…this is all do in part to a DADDY being on the show and not some sprem donator! Oh by the way am a black man too and no I don’t do over half the things they do but we do have the most important thing in common and that’s the love for God and our family! Phil keep leading and trusting God!

As someone who has lived six decades, I ask,, did everyone forget this one phrase ” I may not agree with what you say, but I defend to my death your right to say it.” In this new United States, the amended version is … as long as its in line with my own! I’m just saying!

Yeah, I remember that one. It was usually said by someone to avoid getting hit. Right up there with “You’re a credit to your race.” The 1970s were something special. The generation running things couldn’t get it right—Nixon, Ford, Carter, gas lines twice, two recessions, avocado and harvest-gold appliances. Sure, let’s go back there. Luke Visconti, CEO, DiversityInc

With freedom of speech comes the responsibility of owning the consequences of your speech. You can’t say later – I meant no harm or I did not mean it or I had no idea or my favorite – telling others not to be offended or more specifically what or how to feel. I always say – give the hater the mic – they will reveal themselves. Let the public outrage continue. Let the good times roll.